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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
OCTOBER 2015
39
physical deformity is not evident, babies with
FASD are likely to have problems in later life
including vision, learning, behavioural and
social issues.
In addition, it has been observed that suffer-
ers of FASD generally lack the ability to make
sound judgements, and they are more likely
to suffer from mental disorders, including at-
tention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
depression and anxiety. Further to this, FASD
sufferers are more likely to develop a drinking
problem of their own, perpetuating the cycle.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Rhys Evans
In South Africa, the Foundation for Alcohol
Related Research (FARR) has reported a
steady increase in the occurrence of FASD
in school-entry children. The 2001 preva-
lence rates indicated an alarming frequency
of FAS at 8.8 % in the Western Cape. Other
studies in Gauteng have reported a com-
monness of 2.2 % in Soweto, 1.2 % in Lena-
sia and 3.7 % in Westbury. Recent research
also completed by the FARR in the Northern
Cape revealed an increase of 10.2 % in this
area. FASD is clearly a significant problem,
caused entirely by the abuse of alcohol,
which affects on average one in every 50
South Africans.
Although alcohol abuse is often regarded
as a social issue, the problem goes much
further than this, having an on-going neg-
ative economic impact. It also affects em-
ployers of alcoholics, resulting in lack of
productivity, potential health and safety vi-
olations, increased number of sick days and
more. When adding pregnancy to the mix,
and considering the dire consequences of
drinking throughout a pregnancy, companies
need to increase their efforts to assist to re-
duce these incidents.
This requires first and foremost for employ-
ers to implement comprehensive education
programmes around the dangers of alcohol
abuse, particularly while pregnant. In addi-
tion, policies should be implemented to en-
sure that employees are sober during work-
ing hours, and come to work sober. This not
only helps to curb excessive consumption, it
also makes the workplace safer for all em-
ployees, including pregnant women. These
policies should be backed and enforced by
regular testing for alcohol consumption us-
ing breathalyser equipment.
The effects of FASD are permanent and af-
fect sufferers their entire lives, while also
having a negative impact on the economy
and communities. This entirely preventable
condition can only be curbed by reducing
maternal alcohol consumption during preg-
nancy, and employees can play a significant
role in this. Through education and compre-
hensive policies backed by regular testing,
alcohol abuse in the workplace and at home
can be significantly reduced. There are a va-
riety of solutions available to suit a variety of
needs that can curb alcohol use in the work-
place and deliver significant benefits where
the health of female employees is a crucial
consideration.
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